Following yesterday's board meeting, at which director Gordon Scott resigned, MacPherson was due to meet chairman Stewart Gilmour today to discuss next season's playing budget. Instead of them deciding who to offer a new contract to, the chat ended Gus's time in charge and the following statement being released:
"St Mirren Football Club this afternoon announces the parting of company with manager, Angus MacPherson after nearly seven seasons.
"Mr MacPherson has been St Mirren's longest serving manager since the Second World War.
"The Board of Directors would like to thank Mr MacPherson for all his work at the Club and the improvement in the Club's league standing since his arrival, we wish him well for the future.
"The Board feel that the relationship had run its course and that the Club requires a change of direction."
I love how he is referred to as Angus and Mr MacPherson!
The news was a bolt from the blue for Saints fans. It was thought the board were fully behind the manager and it's worth pointing out we did better this season than last year as we made a cup final and finished 10th.
However, that doesn't really disguise the poor league form we've had in the last few years. After finishing 10th in 2008, we found ourselves right back in the relegation battle last season and almost went down. This season was only slightly better. Since the start of 2009 we have won just nine league games and the cup form has papered over the cracks.
The signing policy has also been suspect in the last few years, there has been a reluctance to use youngsters and the standard of football has been poor, with the crowds getting smaller.
No one seems to know for certain whether he was pushed or jumped. It's possible he walked out on hearing his budget was going to be reduced, but it's more likely he was sacked.
Quite where this leaves the club is anyone's guess. It is still up for sale, so will the current board appoint a new boss - or is someone about to buy us? What about the players who are out of contract? What about Andy Millen, Stuart Balmer et al? These questions, and more, must be answered by Gilmour in the near future - especially as we're going to get slated by the Gus loving media.
On a personal level, I think a change of manager is a good move by the club. Things were getting incredibly stale and a fresh approach is needed. My only worry is it all goes a bit Aberdeen/Celtic/Falkirk on us. It's a gamble, but it's one worth taking.
We'll have a list of possible new bosses and a few thoughts on each one on Mirren Mad later on this evening.